The Grail Sisters

When I teach evening classes in Rubaga (the Kampala neighborhood where the UMU extension site is located) I stay overnight. The classes get out at 10 PM and it's an hour and a half drive back to Nkozi on a dark hilly road so driving back is not an option.

The first two nights I stayed at the guesthouse. I'm pretty flexible, I could make due, even if the cleanliness levels were not quite what I would prefer. Hey, the sheets were clean. What more do I need? Well, actually, there are several things I would like, but need is a bit different. I was OK.

Sister Loretta, also known as Sister Warden because she's the campus warden at UMU, meaning she keeps the campus operating, suggested that I contact the Grail Sisters and see about staying with them. Their house is adjacent to the campus. After a couple of nights at the guest house, I decided that might be a good idea.

One of the students in my class is a sister who stays with the Grail Sisters. I asked her to help me make the contact. Sr. Rose suggested I walk over with her and meet Sister Marie who's in charge of such things for the house. Sure, why not. The direct approach is always best.

I chatted with Sister Marie who said she would talk it over with the house and get back to me. I was actually glad to hear she had to discuss it with the community. It's one of those community things that suggests a give and take that makes for good community living.

Wednesday I got the message that I could stay there when I am in Rubaga. I was quite grateful. I stayed there Thursday night. It was wonderful. It was clean, it was homey and the sisters were friendly. I didn't see much of the sisters because the electricity went out shortly after I arrived, and being pretty exhausted, I decided it was a sign from God that I should go to bed.

I like sisters. Even in a culture half a world away from the midwestern United States, there is a common culture of religious life. It's comfortable and easy.